Undercover officer James Cason escaped injury when a bullet fired by a suspect richocheted off his handgun, which was still in the holster at his side, police spokesman Reginald Roundtree said.

The injured woman, who police had not identified early this morning, was shot in the mouth, stomach and ankle, Roundtree said. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital.

The shooting began at 560 NW Seventh Ave., where Cason was arranging to sell marijuana to the woman and another man, who police also did not identify, Roundtree said. Something went wrong and one person fired a .45-caliber handgun at Cason, he said.

Backup officers returned the fire and a car chase ensued for several blocks, Roundtree said. It was unclear when the woman was hit by the bullets. Police arrested the pair, but neither had been charged early this morning.